You may not be aware of this fact, but oral health can offer strong clues as to your overall health. Problems with your teeth and gums can have an effect on the rest of your body. Read on and learn more about the intimate and vital connection between the two.
Your mouth is home to bacteria, lots of it as a matter of fact. Most of the bacteria is completely harmless though. If you brush and floss your teeth daily, these bacteria are easily controlled. But, if one does not practice good oral hygiene, the number of bacteria can increase and lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
There are also some medications, namely decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, and antihistamine, that can reduce the flow of saliva. Saliva works to wash away food that can cause problems if allowed to sit and fester. Saliva also neutralizes acids that are the result of bacteria in the mouth, and this helps to protect you from an overgrowth of bacteria that can lead to oral diseases.
Studies strongly suggest oral bacteria and the inflammation that is associated with periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum diseases. If you have diabetes or HIV, this lowers the resistance of the body to infections, and can make oral diseases even worse.
The list of diseases that are affected by or can contribute to bad oral health is long. It includes endocarditis, an infection of the heart, and a cause serious damage. There is some research that suggests clogged arteries, heart disease, and strokes are related to infections caused by oral bacteria.
Periodontitis has been linked in some studies to low birth weight in newborns, and premature birth. This makes it clear how important oral hygiene and care are for expectant mothers. It is also known that tooth loss before the age of 35 may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. For more complete list of the diseases that may be linked to poor oral health, click here for a list.
Follow these steps to protect your oral health:
At Ace Dental, we are well aware of the link between dental health, and your overall health, and have the latest dental technologies available today to help you. Our facilities were built based on the guidelines and the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). You will not find a more safe and comfortable practice anywhere.